An unbeaten streak in the qualifying round and a thumping win over Cape Cobras have helped Northern Knights establish themselves as early favourites in this year's competition. Built on solid top-order performances and an accurate new-ball attack, Knights have decimated opposition teams with regularity and their next game against Hobart Hurricanes gives the New Zealand side a chance to draw level with Kings XI Punjab at the top of Group B, helped by an impressive net run rate. The match is more crucial for Hurricanes, who have played one game more than Knights, and a loss here could reduce their chances of staying in the race for a semi-final spot.

While Knights have moved confidently from one win to another, Hurricanes, the 2013-14 Big Bash League finalists, struggled to find their ground against Kings XI and were in a precarious position against Cape Cobras before Aiden Blizzard swung the match their way. Their middle order looks a little shaky and they need to overcome the tendency of losing quick wickets after a substantial stand. Hurricanes also need batsmen like Travis Birt and Shoaib Malik to step up against a Knights attack led by Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Both sides have not relied too much on spin but the slower bowlers could come into the game to control two attacking line-ups. Ish Sodhi has done reasonably well in his role as the Knights' lead spinner, while Hurricanes have switched between Xavier Doherty, Cameron Boyce and Shoaib Malik as their spin options. Doherty and Malik, two of only three Hurricanes bowlers to have economy rates under eight, will play key roles for the side again.

(Cricinfo)